Quickie Pork Chop Dinner
A quick and hearty pork chop dinner featuring tender chops baked with orange juice, rice, and creamy chicken and rice soup, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pork chops, then season with salt and pepper.
- Place the rice in a baking dish and pour orange juice over it.
- Arrange the browned pork chops on top of the rice.
- Pour the condensed chicken and rice soup over everything.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, marinate the pork chops in orange juice for at least 30 minutes before browning. If you don't have Minute rice, long-grain rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Adding garlic powder or onion powder to the pork chops before browning can enhance the taste. For a twist, consider using pineapple juice instead of orange juice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Bacon-Wrapped Green Beans for an added crunch. For a heartier option, consider serving with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Quickie Pork Chop Dinner can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through, or microwave in individual portions until warm. Avoid reheating more than once for best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quickie Pork Chop Dinner contains roughly 578 calories, with 29g protein, 84g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 992mg per serving (43% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless pork chops for this recipe?
Yes, boneless pork chops can be used, but be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in chops. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
What if I don't have condensed chicken and rice soup?
If you don’t have condensed chicken and rice soup, you can substitute it with a mixture of cream of chicken soup and a bit of cooked rice or add broth and a bit of cooked rice to create a similar consistency and flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or peas can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor. Simply layer them with the rice before adding the pork chops and soup for a one-dish meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).